Film Locations in Russia: Where 'Cheburashka' and Other Hits Were Filmed

Film tourismis a great reason to change your surroundings and see familiar on-screen landscapes in real life. To start your adventure comfortably, you can buy tickets to Sochi on Kupi.com or find affordable tickets to Mineralnye Vody on the website, from where it's easy to reach the main locations of "Cheburashka".

Russian cinema in recent years has delighted with large-scale projects that make us look at familiar resorts and even the starry sky in a new way. We tell you where the creators of the highest-grossing hits found their inspiration.

"Cheburashka"

The highest-grossing film in the history of Russian distribution was filmed in settings that seem fairytale-like but actually exist. The main action unfolds in the south of Russia.

• Kislovodsk: The famous scene with a hail of oranges was filmed on Kurortny Boulevard. Several tons of real fruit were needed for the filming, which rolled along the pavement to the delight of tourists.

• Sochi: Gena's house is not just a set, but the territory of the abandoned Ordzhonikidze Sanatorium. Its majestic Stalinist Empire style architecture was ideal for creating a timeless atmosphere. The Sochi Arboretum also frequently appears in the frame – it was there that the "eared beast" found its first refuge among exotic plants.

• Pyatigorsk and Essentuki: The streets of these cities became the backdrop for the characters' cozy strolls. The Lermontov Gallery in Pyatigorsk and the old mansions of KMV added that very "warm" mood to the film.

"The Challenge"

The film "The Challenge" made history as the first feature film shot in real space. But its earthly locations are no less important and interesting to visit.

• Star City: The cosmonaut training center in the Moscow region became the main site for the training scenes of the heroine Yulia Peresild. Everything here is real: centrifuges, a hydrolaboratory, and simulators mimicking station modules.

• Baikonur: Scenes of preparation for launch and the launch itself were filmed at the legendary cosmodrome. This is a restricted facility, but today you can visit it with a tour to experience the scale of human achievements.

• Voronovo Sanatorium: This monumental building in the Moscow region "played" the role of the National Space Center under construction. Its atrium and strict lines perfectly fit the image of a modern scientific cluster.

"The Bremen Town Musicians"

The new interpretation of the beloved fairy tale impresses with its natural panoramas. Although the action takes place in a fairytale kingdom, the filming took place in the most picturesque corners of Russia.

• Dagestan:The chases and wanderings of the Troubadour and his friends were filmed in the Sulak Canyon and on the Gunib plateau. Deep gorges and incredible mountain serpentines added epicness to the film. If you want to see these cliffs with your own eyes, it's worth looking for tickets to Makhachkala.

• Karachay-Cherkessia: The mountain rivers, Bermamyt plateau, and lakes of the region became the scenery for the adventures of the cheerful company. The combination of alpine meadows and snow-capped peaks created that very atmosphere of freedom sung about in the final song.

"The Master and Margarita"

The latest film adaptation of Bulgakov's novel presented the capital in an alternative, futuristic guise, combining real buildings with computer graphics.

• Russian State Library: The interiors and corridors of the Lenin Library became the prototype for many office scenes in the film. Its majestic halls are perfectly suited for the intellectual conversations of Woland and the Master.

• Moscow State University (MSU): The main building on Sparrow Hills was transformed into the monumental Palace of Soviets in the film. Walking along the observation deck, it's easy to imagine Satan's retinue sweeping over the city.

• Patriarch Ponds: Of course, this place could not be omitted. Despite the sets, the spirit of that very square by the water has been preserved and continues to attract lovers of mysticism.

"Ice 3"

The final part of the popular sports drama continues the tradition of filming on the deepest lake on the planet. Baikal ice is a full-fledged character in the film, setting the tone for the entire story.

• Lake Baikal:The film crew worked in the area of Listvyanka village and Olkhon Island. It was here that captivating shots of transparent ice covered with a network of cracks were filmed. To retrace the heroes' steps and see these vast expanses, you can book tickets to Irkutsk on Kupi.com.

• Irkutsk: City scenes were filmed on the historic streets of Irkutsk, which is famous for its wooden architecture and cozy atmosphere of a winter city.

"By the Pike's Command"

Another fairytale premiere that transports the viewer into a world of wonders, created against the backdrop of the real nature of Siberia and the Urals.

• Tobolsk: The main location was the "Abalak" theme park. The wooden fortress and the view of the Irtysh helped create the image of a fairytale kingdom.

• Perm Krai: Scenes on the river and among the rocks were filmed on the banks of the Chusovaya and Kusya rivers. The Ural nature with its harsh cliffs was ideal for Emelya's adventures.

"One Hundred Years Ahead"

The film adaptation of Kir Bulychev's novel transports us to Moscow a hundred years from now, but many places are recognizable even today.

• Zaryadye Park: The futuristic landscapes of the park and the "Floating Bridge" became the ideal backdrop for the city of the future. Modern Moscow architecture harmoniously intertwines with fantastic technologies here.

• Meshchersky Park:Forest scenes were filmed in this picturesque location in western Moscow. If you are planning a walk through these places, it is worth buying tickets to Moscow in advance to spend a weekend in the capital.

"Palma"

The film about the loyalty of a dog that waited for its owner at the airport is based on real events and was filmed in active air harbors.

• Vnukovo Airport: A significant part of the filming took place directly on the airfield and in the terminals. The film crew had to adjust to the flight schedule to capture the authentic atmosphere of the largest transport hub.

• Brest: Some airfield scenes were filmed in Belarus, where it was possible to find equipment and hangars corresponding to the aesthetics of the 1970s.

"Serf" and "The Last Bogatyr"

If you want to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of old Rus' or the fairytale Belogorye, your path lies to the northwest and the Moscow region.

• Film village in Pskov Oblast: The village of Savkino became the place of "re-education" for the main character of "Serf". Authentic izbas and nature create a complete illusion of traveling back to the 19th century.

• Serednikovo Estate: Historical films and fantasy are often shot here. The park and architecture of the estate allow recreating almost any era, from knightly times to noble assemblies.

Traveling to filming locations is an opportunity to feel like you're inside your favorite movie. Choose a destination, grab your camera, and go capture your own shots.